Need Interview Clothes? Ex offenders and Felons Should try Thrift Stores
I have been helping ex-offenders and felons get jobs for many years and if there is one thing I stress is the power of the first impression. How you look is going to speak volumes about you before you ever open your mouth. Whether out looking for a job, filling out applications or interviewing that first impression is powerful. What do people see when they see you? Do they see a thug or a businessperson? Everything about you should "Professional."
The classic look for men is a dark suit with a light colored shirt and a color coordinated tie. At the very least, dark slacks, with a light colored shirt and a nice silk tie. Don't forget the shined shoes. For women, a classic pant or skirt suit with coordinated pumps.
I meet ex-offenders and felons who tell me that they do not have the money to buy the kind of clothes that I'm talking about. There is a solution, the local thrift store. I know what you are thinking- used clothes,
yuck! Get rid of you prejudices that thrift stores are full of junk that other people threw away. The fact is, thrift stores often have high quality clothes at bargain basement prices. Check this true story about an actual student of mine:
"Real Stories of Ex-offenders and Felons Looking for Jobs"
I recently took a student of mine to a local thrift store because he told me he did not have clothes for an upcoming interview. This is what we got.
1 pair of Perry Ellis Portfolio double pleated, cuffed slacks - $4.00
1 Ralph Lauren Dress shirt - $3.00
1 Nautica silk tie - $2.00
1 pair of Cole Haan shoes $12.00
He went home with clothes that would make him look like a million dollars for $21.00!
Need Interview Clothes? Ex offenders and Felons Should try Thrift Stores
Thrift stores are great for finding good bargains on clothes. Here are some tips to make thrift store shopping a great experience.
Give yourself time. Thrift stores usually have a lot of things to look through. Take your time and find what you need.
Go with a friend. It’s good to have a second opinion. If you're a guy, go with a girl. If you're a girl, vice versa. Your friend will be able to help you decide if something really looks good on you.
Find out if there are any sales. Some thrift stores color code the sale items. Some stores even have a sale day. Find out how to make your thrift store bargains even better.
If possible, buy clothes that are machine washable. What good is getting a good deal on slacks if you can only dry clean them.
Look clothes over very carefully. Nothing is worse than thinking you have found a nice shirt, only to get home and find a hole on the back or the cuffs are frayed.
Try clothes on. You will feel really bad if you got those great slacks home and they don't fit
Wash clothes when you get home. Thrift store clothes are basically clean, but many have been on the rack for a while and need to be freshened up before wearing.
Thrift stores are a great option for ex-offenders and felons who want to look professional but do not have a lot of money. To find your local thrift store, check your local telephone book. Even if you haven't decided that thrift stores are for you. Try one anyway. Go down and look around. Even if you don't buy anything the first time, don't be surprised if you go back at another time.
Jobs for Felons: How to Shop at Thrift Stores
Jobs for ex-offenders and felons looking for jobs : What to wear to the interview
Jobs for Felons and Ex-offenders: How to Tie a Tie
Jobs for felons: Ten Simple Steps to Getting a Job with a Criminal Record
Are you an ex-offender or felon who has a question about finding a job with a criminal record? I have been helping ex-offenders and felons get jobs for over ten years and I feel I have an understanding of what works. I will be updating this blog often. I will answer specific questions relating to getting a job with a criminal record on this blog so feel free to send me your questions. The right information could help a felon get jobs. You could have your question answered right here. Email your question to: Adogzheart2@gmail.com.